Effect of 2014 massive flood on well water qualities: A case study on Kelantan River basin, Malaysia

Abstract

The effect of physical and biological qualities of wells after submergence was assessed following December 2014 flood in Kelantan. Studies were carried out on a total of 65 wells from 13 stations around Kelantan River basin in which the wells’ water were sampled for pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), turbidity and microbial contamination. About 95% of the well showed to be contaminated, 7 out of 65 samples (11.1%) showed TDS values >400 μS·cm−1; and 19 samples (29.2%) recorded turbidity beyond 7.0 NTU. Statistical non-parametric tests carried out on independent groups showed that the status of well contamination was neither determined by both degree of submergence nor by the geographical location. Also the physico-chemical parameters are independent of flood inundation. However, TDS and turbidity values changed based on geographical location, at p < 0.05. Well from estuary recorded higher TDS (241.2 μS·cm−1 ±159.5 SD) and turbidity (8.04 NTU ± 6.53 SD) compared to those from inner basin (TDS at 156.3 μS·cm−1± 88.9 SD; turbidity at 2.90 NTU ± 2.46 SD), respectively. The flood water had played significant role in the transmission of existing contaminant, and most of the wells were unsafe for drinking. We concluded that the degree of flood submergence does not necessarily determine the severity of the well contamination in Kelantan, but the existing contamination may exacerbate further the potential risk during post flood period.

Community-Based Flood Risk Management: Empowering Local Responses: A Case Study in Meru, Klang

“…Malaysia's historical archives document a significant history of major flood occurrences. For example, in 2014, an astounding 200 000 individuals were compelled to evacuate in the face of major floods that impacted several states in Peninsular Malaysia, with notable effects seen in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang (Rahman et al, 2018). More recently, in 2021, Selangor witnessed a major flood incident that tragically resulted in 17 reported casualties (Berita Harian, December 21, 2021).…”